Fitness For All

Deb Ward Lund's Crossfit Journey

From 2010-2016, I birthed two children, completed graduate school, and established a successful (but very stressful) career. During that time, I was so focused on my family and career, that I had completely taken my health for granted. My BMI had reached the level of obesity and my blood pressure was steadily increasing, almost to the point of needing medication. In December of 2016, I decided that I would make my health my priority for 2017.

My primary care provider recommended that I aim to lose 1lb per week. I had done countless extreme diets in the past and, while I usually lost weight on those diets fairly quickly, the pounds always found their way back when the diet ended. I didn’t want this to turn into (another) failed resolution, so I was happy with this modest goal, even if it meant I wouldn’t meet my goal weight for 18 months or more.

Instead of selecting a diet to lose weight, I committed myself to 3-5 days of exercise per week. I played team sports throughout high school and college, so I knew that I was capable of performing intense physical activity, and I knew that working out with friends would make it fun. My brother was a Crossfit coach and many of my friends raved the awesome-ness of Crossfit, so I decided to go for it and I signed up for a 6-month membership at Crossfit Tempe (CFT) on January 2, 2017. CFT was recommended by two of my friends, who were already members, and I instantly fell in love with the workouts and community.

When the first six months of my CFT membership ended, I was amazed at how much progress I had made. I lost 25lbs, which averaged to about 1lb of weight loss per week; some weeks I lost several pounds and other weeks I didn’t lose any. In the past I would have been discouraged during the weeks I didn’t lose weight, but this time I kept my long-range goal in mind. I loved the program and community so much that, after a few months, the pounds of weight loss didn’t mean nearly as much to me as the pounds of weight I was now able to lift over my head! I made dozens of new friends, who pushed me to set and achieve fitness goals that I had never imagined before. In October, I took second place in a team competition; in December, I ran my first half marathon; and I’m still on track with my weight loss goal (though I rarely weigh myself anymore).

Now physical fitness is as important to me as breathing. I spend Sunday nights reviewing the week’s workouts at the gym and coordinating workout times with my friends, rather than stressing about my workweek. I eat right to achieve my fitness goals, so extra pounds now lose me and I don’t have to fight to lose them. My Crossfit journey has taught me that physical strength enhances strength in almost every other aspect of life.